Ofcom will NOT investigate Diversity's BGT performance
The TV watchdog have released a statement
TV watchdog Ofcom have today (Thursday 17th September), released a statement confirming they will not be investigating Diversity's recent performance during the first Britain's Got Talent semi-final.
The group, who won the show back in 2009, returned to the stage which made them famous at the beginning of the month, but after a routine which highlighted major events of the year such as Black Lives Matter and the tragic killing of George Floyd, over 24,000 people lodged complaints.
However, in a statement published this afternoon, the TV watchdog said, 'We carefully considered a large number of complaints about this artistic routine, an area where freedom of expression is particularly important.
'Diversity’s performance referred to challenging and potentially controversial subjects, and in our view, its central message was a call for social cohesion and unity.
'Any depictions of violence by the performers were highly stylised and symbolic of recent global events, and there was no explicit reference to any particular political organisation – but rather a message that the lives of black people matter.'
After receiving backlash and a large number of shocking online abuse following their routine, many of the Diversity boys have reacted to Ofcom's decision, including Ashley Banjo, his brother Jordan Banjo, and Perri Kiely.
Sharing a screenshot of Ofcom's statement, Ashley, who is currently standing in for Simon Cowell on the BGT judging panel, wrote, 'Creativity is always a leap of faith. All I did what was what felt right and I’d do it 100 times over... Sending love to everyone that stood by us 🙏🏽🖤 #Diversity'. (sic)
Perri Kiely simply wrote, 'That’s that then... 🖤', with Ashley Banjo adding, 'Well then👀😂🤷🏾♂️'. (sic)
Check out what the former Britain's Got Talent winners are up to now:
Paul Potts
Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.
George Sampson
Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.
Diversity
Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.
Spellbound
The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.
Jai McDowall
Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.
Ashleigh and Pudsey
Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.
Attraction
Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.
Collabro
Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.
Jules and Matisse
Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.
Richard Jones
Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.
Tokio Myers
Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.
Lost Voice Guy
Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.
Colin Thackery
Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.
Jon Courtenay
Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!
Axel Blake
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.
Viggo Venn
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.
Ofcom's decision comes just days after ITV released an official statement about Diversity's controversial performance.
Showing support to the dance group, an ITV spokesperson said, "Britain's Got Talent has always been an inclusive show, which showcases diversity and supports strong storytelling in all forms and ITV stands behind the decision to broadcast Diversity's performance on BGT.
"Ashley and the group are a great example of the talent, creativity and diversity of modern Britain and their performance was an authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020."
Watch Diversity's powerful performance on Britain's Got Talent below:
Britain's Got Talent continues every Saturday night on ITV with hosts Ant and Dec.